Flow indicating meter



Sept. 1,1936.v A |39l MacLEAN Er AL 2,052,720

FLOW INDICATING METR lFiled June I5, 1932 Patented Sept. ,1, 1936 `UNITED STATES PATENT Aori-*ics FLOW INDICATING METER of Pennsylvania.

Application June 3, 1932, Serial No. 615,219

9 Claims.

Our invention 'relates to a novel meter and control device of compact unitary construction designed to indicate the flow of fluids through a conduit and control means operable thereby. 'Ihe 5 present invention is especially concerned with a flow meter and control device that responds to variations in differential pressures across an orifice or restriction in the conduit embodying uid conduit connections having an orifice plate and i pressure responsive means, circuit controlling means and novel unitary indicating and adjusting assemblies all associated in novel unitary relationshipl i In the usual orifice meter there is a fitting inl l the conduit provided with a restricted opening for fluid flow, an indicating and recording means for mounting independently of the conduit fitting connected by pressure conduits, the separate indicating and recording means in many 20 instances occupying valuable space. In many instances it is absolutely necessary to measure the quantity and indicate continuity of fluid flow. 'I'he additional connection between the orifice means and the indicating arrangements 25 affects the dependability of prior meters.

The meter of the present invention is of novel unitary construction adapted for mounting in any desired position on the fluid conduit in which the flow to be measured or indicated exists. The

30 meter of our invention is provided with novel indicating and control means which comprise unitary assemblies which may be adjusted in position or be removed for inspection or replacement. The novel means for adjusting and positioning the pressure responsive device and with it the indicating and control means constructed in accordance with our invention has general utility. The circuit controlling feature because of inherent safety, due to absence of sparks, 40 may be used in an explosive atmosphere or in infiammable surroundings with no risk of exploeion or fire. The inherent dependability of the indicating means because of absence of long frail conduit connections and the space saving 45 advantage because of the novel unitary arrangement of parts is applicable in any location. The cheap, compact, safe and dependable device of our invention has a wide range of utility to indicate and record fluid pressure, gauge or sub- Cil 50 atmospheric, or diierential pressure which may be caused to result from confined fluid flow.

Where it is vitally necessary that the fluid flow be maintained continuously and in a predetermined qauntity, as for example, in the flow 55 of cooling nuid to thermionic devices, mercury arc rectiers, transformers, or oil and water flow to turbines, the accurate indication of quantity v of flow and dependable indication of existence of ilow of a meter constructed in accordance with our invention has great utility. The circuit 5 controlling means thereof. if desired, may be used for example to sound an alarm, complete or interrupt circuits for discontinuing the load on or operation of the devices or installations to whichA cooling fluid must be continuously supplied. The compactness and high degree of accuracy provided by the dependable rugged structure of our novel meter lends itself admirably to the suggested applications.

Accordingly a primary object of our invention l5 concerns novel pressure responsive indicating apparatus in combination with controlling means operated in response to variations in differential pressure to which 'the pressure responsive apparatus is subjected, whereby apparatus subiected to fluid flow or causing fluid flow may be operated or controlled according to differential pressure caused by fluid flow.

Another object of our invention concerns novel pressure responsive apparatus in combination Y with electrical circuit controlling means operated in response to variations in diierential pressure to which the pressure responsive apparatus is subjected, whereby to control electrical circuits in response to fluid flow.

Still another object of our invention is to produce novel responsive apparatus in which an indicator and controlling means are driven by an operator sealed to prevent escape of lfluid to the indicator and controlling means whereby the indicating and controlling means are relieved o! iiuid pressure and are protected from explosive or corrosive fluids or fluid mixtures.

A further object of our invention concerns pressure responsive apparatus embodying a novel 4o adjusting and balancing means for the pressure responsive element whereby extraneous influences affecting said pressure responsive element may be eliminated or compensated for.

A still further object of the present invention is to produce a novel compact differential pressure responsive 'circuit controlling meter or gauge of novel unitary construction which may be readily and cheaply manufactured.

A still further object of our invention is to produce a novel compact flow indicating meter of novel unitary construction which may be readily and cheaply manufactured.

A still further object of our invention is to produce a novel compact flow indicating meter and circuit closer made upof novel unitary assemblies assembled into a novel-.unitary structure.

A still further object of our invention is to produce a novel compact circuit controlling meter capable of use in an explosive atmosphere orin inammable surroundings.

A still further object,of our invention is to provide/a novel compact gauge of universal application for quantitative indication in response to varying fluid pressure.

A/still'lfurther object of our invention is to produce a novel compact iiow indicating meter casing of separable parts provided with cavities for 'housing readily removable unitary indicating, adjusting and circuit controlling means.

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will clearly appear in the following .description when studied in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure. l is a front elevational view of a novel I Figure 2 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows on a plane represented by lines A-A of Figure 1, with parts beyond the sectional planes shown in plan.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows on a plane represented by line B--B in Figure 2,' with certain of the parts inelevation.

Figure V4 is a rear view in sectional elevation taken in the direction of the'arrows on a plane represented by line C-C of Figure 3, with certain of the mechanisms shown in elevation.

With reference to the 4drawing in which like parts are indicated by like reference numerals, the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated as comprising a novel casing 2 embodying uidy conduit connections 3 and 4 for fluid conduit 5. Fluid conduit connection 4 is provided with a threaded bore 6 the bottom 1 of which provides a shoulder against which oriiice plate 8 is positioned and held in place by tubular screw 9. Screw 9 is provided with diametrically opposite notches II in its walls for cooperation with a suitable tool for removing and replacing orifice plate 8 in a manner obvious from an inspection'of the drawing. Passages I2 and I3 lead to diaphragm chamber I4 provided between the two parts or sections I5 and I6 ofwhich casing 2 is preferablyl comprised. 'Parts or sections I5 and I6 receive diaphragm I1 in iiuid tight clamping engagement between their adjacent faces forming the periphery of diaphragm chamber I4 and are held in-intimate engagement with diaphragm I1 by suitable means for example screws I8 and I9. Sections I5 and I6on either side of diaphragm I1 contain the indicating and circuit closing assemblies 2| spring 22 respectively as best shown in Figure 3, to be described in vdetail hereinafter. Diaphragm I1 may be formed if desired to provide iiange 23 in contact with the adjacent faces of sections I5 and I6 of casing 2'to serve as a gasket between these members preventing uid leaks and obviating the necessity of a separate gasket or gaskets. Reference .character 24 vindicates a corrugated or concave zone of diaphragm I1.

It will be obvious that if desired orifice plate 8 may be replacedl by adisk of corresponding shape whereby the meter ofour invention may be used as a gauge to indicate pressures above atand diaphragm mospheric pressurein connection member 3 or above sub-atmospheric pressure existing in chamber 4. f'

We have illustrated in the preferred embodiment. of our invention suitable means forming 'an operative connection of diaphragm I1 with the indicator and the circuit controlling means 2|, which if desired may comprise spindle 25, and

`platesor washers 26 positioned on each side of suitable projection on casing member I5, provided with a bore 3|` threaded throughout its length as indicated by reference character 32.

Compression spring 22 extends into bore 3| one end of which is received over projection 34 of screw 35 threaded into engagement with threads 32 of bore 3|, the other end surrounding ring 36 on spindle 25 to retain it in position. Screw'35 is provided with slot or kerf 31 for engagement with a suitable tool so that its position in bore 3| maybe altered to change the compressive force of spring 22 for a purpose to be described.

Ring 36 isvretained'on spindle 25 by suitablek means as for example cotter pin or key 38. Re# movable screw cap 39 and gasket 40 permit access toscrew 35 for adjustment purposes and also serve as a uid tight closure for bore 3|.

Spring 22 is selectedto have characteristics such that diaphragm I1 iioats and supports the weight of the parts associated therewith. This condition may be realized by altering theA position of screw 35 in bore 3| to change the compressive force of spring 22.

The parts so far described may be conveniently assembled by the following procedure if desired. One of nuts 28 is iirst threaded onto spindle 25 after which plate 26, diaphragm I1, outer plate 26, remaining nut 28 'and ring 36 are applied to spindle 25 in the order named. Pin 38 is inserted to retain ring 36 lin position on spindle 25'.- Spindle 25 with its assembled parts may now be handled as a unit. An end of spindle 25 may be inserted in opening 4| in casing member 4I6 com'- municating with bore 42. Pin 43 lisapplied to spindle 25 from the end of bore 42 to retain it in place in opening 4|. Diaphragm I1 may now be aligned so that its iiange 23 is in contact with casing I6, after which casing member I5 is applied in the position shown in the drawing. Casing members I5 and I6 are now clamped by bolts I8 and screw I9. Spring 22 may b e inserted through bore 3| to engage over ring 36 after which screw 35 is threaded into Abore 3|. Sealing screw l39 and gasket 40 close the end ofv bore 3 I. 'I'he foregoing procedure for assembling the casing and diaphragm I1 is given as a suggestion for a con- 'venient method of assembly of casing members I 5 and I5 withdiaphragm I1 and its adjusting means. It is o bvious that -other steps may be followed, for example, spring 22 may be inserted after screws 35 and 39 are in place in bore 3| but be-A fore casing members I5 and I6 are aligned prior to clamping with bolts I8 and screw I9.l`

^ Casing section I6 has an interior arrangement, which it will appear as the description proceeds, compactly receives indicating mechanism.

44. In the preferred embodimeirt of our inven' 'ItE tion pivoted operative connecting means 45 is fulcrumed on pin 46 received in suitable holes 41 in casing or capsule 48. Casing 48 is provided with cover 49 apertured at 5| to permit free movement of projection 52 on pivoted arm '46. A diaphragm 53 of suitable flexible material as for example treatedfabric or leather, is received and clamped between flange 54 of casing 48 and cover 49 to provide a fluid tight seal for bore 42, provided in casing member I6, in communication with diaphragm chamber I4 through opening 4|. Pivoted-arm 45 has an extension 56 of reduced diameted bifurcated as best shown in Figure 3 to provide arms 51-to receive pin 58 on which is journaled roller 59. Pin 58 is retained in position by suitable means as for example cotter pin or key 60. Channel shaped member 6| -providedwith anges 62 is apertured to receive pin 58 whereby channel member 6| is pivoted at the end of arm 45 on reduced end 56 thereof. Member 6| is provided with a teat or projection 63 for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Projection 52 of arm 45 is formed preferably from sheet metal comprising a cam surface 64, an upstanding connecting end 65l and a stiffening web 66. Screw 61 and nut 68 retain projection 52 in positionon arm 45. Washer 69 received against nut 68 on screw 61 presses sealing diaphragm 53 in fluidtight .relation with the shouldered end of arm 45. Escape ofv fluid from diaphragm chamber I4 by way of opening 4| and bore 42 is thus electively prevented. Casing 48 with arm 45 and its associated parts form a unitary asserrbly which may be inserted in bore 42 through aperture 10 provided in casing member I6 opposite bore 42.

Roller 59 of arm 45 is pressed into operative contact with spindle 25 so that it may accurately and closely follow the movement of spindle 25 imparted to it by diaphragm |1 whereby increments of movement of arm 45 may be proportional to increments-of movement of diaphragm I5 with substantially no drag or opposing force to the response of diaphragm I5 to differential pressure created by the presence of orifice plate I4. This may, if desired, be accomplished by means of spring 1|, one end of which engages teat 63 of channel member 6 I. The opposite end of spring 1| engages teat 12,on Wafer shaped screw 13 in bore 14 in threaded engagement with threads 15. Adjustment of spring 1| is accomplished by engagement of a suitable tool 'with kerf 16 of wafer screw 13. Bore 14 may be closed by fluid tight means comprising screw or stud 11 and gasket 18.

The 'parts described comprising the operative connecting means may be conveniently assembled for insertion in bore 42 in the following manner. Arm 45 may first be inserted in casing or capsule 48 from the front so that extension 56 and bifurcated ends 51 extend beyond the 'rear of casing 48. Roller 59 and channel piece 6| may next be lassembled on arm 45 by insertion of pin 58 .into the arm 45 opposite extension end 56. Cover 49 may now be applied over the end of arm 45 carrying extension 52 and screws 19 inserted in corresponding apertures in cover 49, diaphragm 68 and casing or capsule 48. The complete as-l sembly may now be inserted in bore 42 through aperture 10 in casing member I6. A suitable tool is used to drive screws 19 home in threaded holes 8| in shoulder 82 provided by the boundary of chamber 83 in communication with chamber 84 for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Final adjustment of the position of member 52 may now be had by insertion of a proper tool for example a screw driver through aperture 10 for cooperation with screw 61 of member 52'.- If desired shoulder 82 and flange 54` of capsule 48 may furnish a fluid type seal by meansof a ground joint formed by their surfaces in contact, however, if desired suitable means as for example a gasket vmay be clamped between shoulder 82 and iiange 54 by screws 19. 'If desired, chamber 83 may be closed by cover 85 retained by suitable fastening means for example screws 86.

' dial 94 may be provided over dial plate 89 having proper indicia or marking in the form of a scale to be traversed by pointer 95. 1

Dial 94 may, if desired, be provided with scalemarkings as indicated in the accompanying drawing. The upper set of divisions may serve as a guide in determining the position of circuit controller 44 and the rate of yflow without reference to the actual volume being passed and may be marked to indicate for example, one-fourth full flow, one-half full flow, etc. The lower scale may be accurately calibrated to give a definite reading in actual units such as gallons per minute. Dial 94 may bear in addition to the scale markings a legend to designate the fluid for which the accurately calibrated scale is intended and in addition may supply information to indicate conditions under which the lower scale gives a correct reading by stating a viscosity range in' proper units and a temperature range which in general will be the viscosity and temperature ranges prevailing at the time of the calibration test torlocate the markings of the lower scale. A transparent cover 95a is provided for dial 94.

A hollow post or bearing tube 96 is mounted on dial plate'89 secured thereon by suitable means as for example screw 98. Post 96 is hollow providing a bore 99 in which is journaled pointer shaft |0|.

Pointer 95'is slipped over reduced end |02 of pointer shaft |0| and clamped in position by suitable means as for example nut |03 and check nut |04. Pointer shaft |0| is made to rotate in accordance with the movements of diaphragm I1 by means of crank arm |05 secured thereto carrying member |06. Journaled on the end of member |06 by the means of screw |01 is a small roller |08 for cooperation with cam surface 64 of extension 52 on arm 45. Pointer 95 is biased toward its zero position by helical spring |09 surrounding tube 96. Helical spring |09 abuts against screw 98 at one end, its other end engaging crank arm |05 as indicated by reference numeral| It will be seen that spring |09 need be only of sufficient stiffness to cause roller |08 to accurately follow the movements of extension 52 imparted to it by diaphragm I1, in accordance with variations of the differential pressure,

We have chosen .to illustrate circuit controller 44 as being of the mercury contact tube variety.

However, it is obvious that any form of circuit making and breaking contact may be employed. the movable contact member of which is actuated into and out of circuit closing position in accordance withthe movements of diaphragm I'I. Circuit controller 44 is carried by resilient clips or ears ||3 bent4 outwardly from circuit controller carrying member I I4. l Member ||4 is provided with an aperture so that it may be slipped over the end of pointer shaft |0| until it abuts the check of the crank arm |05. It is thus firmly held in position on pointer shaft |0I, but may be rotated about it to position circuit controller 44 into proper circuit controlling position, regardless of the position of casing 2. If desired, electrical conducting leads ||8 may be inserted through holes in pointer shaft |0I to take the strain thereof fromcircuit controller "and to'permit a neat disposition of leads ||8 within cavity 84. -Sultable l means for entry' of leads I8 to chamber 84 is provided by conduit |22 suitably connected to casing member I1 as for example by engagement of threads with threaded aperture |23. A bushing |24 of fiber or othersuitable electrical insulating material is provided in aperture |23 to prevent chailng of leads ||8 at the 'point of entry to chamber 84. The assembly of indicating and circuit controlling means 44'will be obvious from .the foregoing.

'Ihe indicating flow meter of our invention may be manufactured at a low cost, each corresponding group or assembly of parts thereof being interchangeable and readily removable for inspection and adjustment.

The compactness and accuracy of the meter of our invention gives' it great utility where space is limited and wheredependable indication ofthe quantity of flow of the fluid or stoppage of ow is vital.. n

The operation and adjustment of a meter constructed according to ourinvention will now he described. Fluid flowing in either direction in conduit 5 will cause a differential pressure on opposite sides of diaphragm I1 by reason of the presence of restriction 8. This difference .in fluid pressure on opposite sides of diaphragm I'I causes it to move toward the side of least pressure an amount proportional to the pressure difference. Rod or spindle 25 shares in this movement and is guided by aperture 4| in casing member I6 to prevent inaccuracies and errors which may arise by eliminating side play of spindle and tilting or distortion of diaphragm I1.

Roller 59 of pivoted arm 45 is pressed against the end of vspindle 25 by spring 1| with sufficient pressure so that arm 45 will accurately follow the movements of spindle 25. Sealing diaphragm 53 permits free movement of arm 45 but connes the iiuid to bore 42 which may leak from chamber |4 by way of opening 4| thus preventing indicating and control means 2| from being subjected to I Vfluid-pressure or to corrosive action in case the ldevice is used with corrosive fluids such as illuminating gas or, gasoline. Explosive mixtures are also prevented from appearing in chamber 84. Indicating andcontrolling means respond to the movements of diaphragm II transmitted byl spindle 25 and pivoted arm 45 by means of roller |08 in operative contact with cam surface 64 of extension 52 on arm 45. Roller |08 and crank |05 `impart rotational movement to shaft |0| which carries pointer 95 cooperating with a graduated scale or other suitable indicia on dial 94 and adjustable carrying member |I4 which carries circuit controller 44. Tilting movement imparted to circuit controller 44 causes it to assume circuit open and circuit closed positions inasmuch as the conducting liquid contained in controller 44 is in electrical contact with fixed contacts in controller 44 or in electrical contact with only one oi' the fixed contacts or out of contact therewith, depieiring on the position to which controller 44 is Spring I0!! reacts against crank |05 to press roller |08 against cam surface 84 of arm 45.

Pivot 46 of arrn45 is displaced with respect to the axis of shaft |0| resulting in greater angular movement of shaft |0|`for a given angular movement of arm 45 by virtue of the. greater distance between pivot 48 of arm 45 and the changing point of contact of roller 08 and cam surface than the distance between the axis of shaft |0| and the axis ofroller |08.

It is obviousbihat diaphragm I1 having appreciable area ex sed to fluid pressure existing in chamber] 4, acts as a motor having suiiicientpower to move any desired control means for example a valve operator which may be substituted for circuit controller 44.

The novel adjusting means oi' our invention comprising springs 22 and '|I with their adjustable abutments in the form of screws 35 and 'I3 respectively may be manipulated to position diaphragm I1 to a neutral position and pointer 95 to a suitable graduation on dial 94, for example a zero reading by the following procedure. With ment with kerf 31 until pointer 95 is opposite a predetermined indication for example a zero Amark on dial 94. Diaphragm |'I is selected to have characteristics such that when spring 22 is placed under compression by manipulation of screw 35 so that pointer 95 indicates zero, the compressive force of spring 22 substantially balances the weight of diaphragm I1 and the parts carried by it so that it is free from initial distorting force or stress and is rendered thereby very sensitive to changes in iiuid pressure.

Spring 'II is adjusted by means of screw 13 so thathits. compressive force is sufiicient to press rollei 59 against spindle 25 to cause it to follow the movements of spindle 25. It will be seen that as the center of diaphragm |'I moves toward either direction, the lcompressive force of one of f springs 22 and 'Il will decrease as'the other increases, thus tending to correct errors which may arise because of variations in the characteristics of these springs.

'Ihe invention may be embodied in other specic forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Th'e present embodiment is therefore to'be considered` in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes whichA come Within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured b United States Letters Patent isz- 1. In a flow meter; a casing having a plurality of compartments therein; a differential pressure responsive device in one compartment; and' an assembly in said other compartment comprising a capsule having a cam member pivoted therein and a sealing member cooperating with said cam member; means for transmitting movement of said device to said cam member; and an indicating element cooperating with said cam member sealed by said sealing member from said other compartment.

2. In combination, indicating means, comprising an operative connection, a pressure respon,- sive diaphragm including movement transmitting means to said indicating means, a relatively heavy spring in abutting relation to said pressure responsive diaphragm, an adJustable abutment for said spring whereby said spring may be caused to resiliently support said diaphragm and said movement transmitting means, a relatively lightl spring in abutting relation to said operative connection, an adjustableabutment for said second mentioned spring whereby said operative connection operatively engages said movement transmitting means in all positions thereof, the change of compressive force in said second mentioned spring substantially balancing the change of compressive force of said nrst mentioned spring during movements of said pressure responsive diaphragm.

3. In a flow meter, a casing having a comparte ment therein; a device therein responsive to pressure differential; a pivoted cam member in a second compartment communicating with said first compartment; means for transmitting movement of said device to said cam member; means forming a seal with said cam member; and an indicating element cooperating with said cam member to show the rate of flow.

4. In a ow meter a casing having a compartment; a cover therefor; a diaphragm having its edges secured between the casing and cover, said casing and cover having passages therein leading to opposite sides of said diaphragm; 4a rod operatively connected to said diaphragm and guided in said casing for reciprocating movement therewith; a cam member pivotally mounted at an angle to said rod and contacting therewith in a second chamber in said casing; a sealing diaphragm through which said cam member extends in sealing relation to seal said second chamber; said casing providing a third chamber surrounding the same; a plate for closing said third chamber, a shaft journalled in said plate having a crank arm at one end thereof cooperating with said cam; an indicator mounted on the opposite end of said shaft, and an electric switch member coupled to said shaft.

A 5. In a combined fiow indicator and controller, a casing having a plurality of compartments therein. pressure responsive means in one of said compartments, a capsule including a sealing diaphragm for separating said compartments, a crank, a lever pivotally carried by said capsule and projecting through said diaphragm in fluid nning relation, one end thereof' cooperating with said pressure responsive means and the other end'cooperating with said crank to transmit movements of said pressure responsive means thereto.

6. In combination with an apparatus as defined in claim 5, an indicating dial and electrical circuit controller operated by said crank.

7. In a combined flow indicator and controller, a casing having a plurality of compartments therein, a mounting plate secured across one of said compartments, a shaft rotatably journalled on said plate, control operating means adjustabiy carried by said shaft, pressure responsive means in another of said compartments, and meansincluding sealing means forming an operative connection between said pressure responsive means and said shaft whereby said shaft is operated in accordance with pressure variations and said compartments are sealed.

8. In a combined flow indicator and controller, a casing having a plurality of compartments therein, a mounting plate secured across one of said compartments, a shaft rotatably journalled on said plate, electrical circuit control means adjustably carried by said shaft, pressure responsive means in another of said compartments, and means including a sealing diaphragm forming anoperative connection between said pressure responsive means and said shaft whereby said shaft and control means are rotated in accordance with variations in pressure.

9. In a flow meter, a casing having a compartment; a cover therefor; a diaphragm having its edges secured between the casing and cover, said casing and cover having passages therein leading to opposite sides of said diaphragm; a rod operatively connected to said diaphragm to reciprocate therewith; a sealing diaphragm providing asecond chamber; a cam member extending through said diaphragm in sealing relation and pivotally connected at an angle to said rod; a plate providing a chamber; a rotatable shaft journaled in said plate having a crank arm at one end thereof cooperating with said cam; and means mounted on said shaft to be actuated thereby.

Y ALLEN D. MACLEAN.

CHARLES B. JOHNSON. 

